Conservation

"Conservation, study of the loss of Earth’s biological diversity and the ways this loss can be prevented. Biological diversity, or biodiversity, is the variety of life either in a particular place or on the entire planet Earth, including its ecosystems, species, populations, and genes. Conservation thus seeks to protect life’s variety at all levels of biological organization." (Pimm 2020)

Sources

Stuart L. Pimm. 2020. In: Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/conservation-ecology

Related Content

Article

Почему космическое садоводство должно спуститься на Землю

Translated by Marina Agarkova

Pourquoi Devrions-Nous Utiliser le Jardinage de l'Espace sur Terre

Merci à Martin Sarret d'avoir traduit cet article volontairement.

Les caractéristiques élémentaires de l´agriculture nous viennent tous assez facilement à l´esprit. De larges étendues de terrain, d'imposantes machines de récolte, la chaleur du soleil sur la peau et, peut-être le plus important, la terre. Cette image mentale est finalement assez logique. L´humanité laboure, ensemence et cultive la terre depuis la nuit des temps, et les techniques agricoles industrielles modernes ont tendance à s'accaparer notre imaginaire sur l'agriculture.

Monitoring runoff using Earth observation data

When rain falls on Earth, the water starts moving and flowing downhill through sewers and rivers as runoff. Runoff is extremely important to recharge surface water bodies and groundwater. Furthermore, runoff changes the landscape by action of erosion. It is an integral part of the water cycle (Earth Science Data Systems 2021).

Почему космическое садоводство должно спуститься на Землю

Translated by Marina Agarkova

Pourquoi Devrions-Nous Utiliser le Jardinage de l'Espace sur Terre

Merci à Martin Sarret d'avoir traduit cet article volontairement.

Monitoreando la escorrentía mediante datos de observación de la Tierra

Translated by Isabel Zetina

Why space gardening should come down to Earth

When you think about agriculture, you probably imagine a few basic things in your mind. Huge stretches of flat land, massive harvesting machines, the heat on your skin from sunlight and, perhaps most importantly, soil. This image in your mind is a common one. Humans have been tilling, seeding, and farming land since the dawn of civilization, and modern industrial farm techniques tend to dominate our conception of agriculture.

Pourquoi Devrions-Nous Utiliser le Jardinage de l'Espace sur Terre

Merci à Martin Sarret d'avoir traduit cet article volontairement.

Why space gardening should come down to Earth

Почему космическое садоводство должно спуститься на Землю

Translated by Marina Agarkova

Why space gardening should come down to Earth

Interview with Dieudonne Ilboudo, Water and Environment Specialist, General Office of Agro-Pastoral Development and Irrigation of Ministry of Agriculture, Animal and Fisheries Resources of Burkina Faso

Photo of Dieudonne Ilboudo in front of a tractor

This interview provides an in-depth look at my expertise and experience in water resource management, environmental conservation, and the integration of AI and remote sensing technologies in Burkina Faso. My passion for water management stems from my desire to protect precious resources and my belief in the essential importance of providing water to communities, a principle reinforced when I joined the Ministry of Agriculture in 2021. As a Water and Environment Specialist at the General Office of Agro-Pastoral Development and Irrigation, I am responsible for irrigation systems, lowland rice-growing areas, and the protection of water infrastructure, while integrating innovation and remote sensing technologies to improve performance. My work also focuses on community conservation, including the removal of invasive aquatic plants from reservoirs and the treatment of gullies to combat soil erosion. I have experience in remote sensing and AI-based applications such as ML and DL for monitoring flood risks, erosion, and irrigation systems. I use machine learning algorithms such as CNN, Random Forest, U-Net, and SVM to analyze satellite images, predict the spread of invasive plants, and optimize water use. My research on integrating traditional knowledge into water management highlights the SoaSoagha concept, a collective work approach in Burkina Faso that promotes community conservation. Traditional rainwater harvesting, floodplain management, and small earthen dams (soussous) align with modern hydrological models, while sacred forests and customary water rights have been revealing, demonstrating indigenous methods of ecosystem protection. My project on AI-powered aquatic invasive plant management integrates machine learning (Satellite image analysis to classify areas with a high probability of aquatic plant presence), deep learning (Precise segmentation of invasive plants, such as water hyacinth and others, in these identified areas), and community engagement to extract, classify, and convert plants into compost, biogas, and biochar. My work highlights the importance of combining technological innovation and traditional knowledge to strengthen climate resilience, ensure water security, and promote sustainable development in Burkina Faso and beyond.

Interview with Hafsa, Aeman, National Researcher, International Water Management Institute (IWM), CGIAR

In the interview, Hafsa Aeman discusses her passion for integrating water resource management with space technologies. She uses remote sensing and AI to tackle challenges like seawater intrusion and coastal erosion, focusing on vulnerable coastal ecosystems. By leveraging satellite data, her work provides critical insights for sustainable water management, crucial for communities impacted by climate change. Ms Aeman highlights the significant role of space technology in water management, especially through remote sensing, which helps monitor precipitation, soil moisture, and groundwater levels. Her proudest achievement is a publication on seawater intrusion, recognized for its innovative use of AI and remote sensing, contributing to Pakistan’s Living Indus initiative. At the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Hafsa’s research integrates AI and remote sensing to optimize water and irrigation management systems. She emphasizes the importance of addressing seawater intrusion, which poses threats to agriculture, ecosystems, and global food security. She also underscores the role of community engagement in sustainable water management through capacity-building workshops for farmers, promoting smarter irrigation practices. She advocates for leadership opportunities for young scientists and believes AI can revolutionize water management by enabling more accurate and efficient data analysis. Rain, symbolizing renewal and sustenance, is her favorite aggregate state of water.

Interview with Hafsa, Aeman, National Researcher, International Water Management Institute (IWM), CGIAR

Interview with Dieudonne Ilboudo, Water and Environment Specialist, General Office of Agro-Pastoral Development and Irrigation of Ministry of Agriculture, Animal and Fisheries Resources of Burkina Faso

Introductory Webinar: Remote Sensing of Coastal Ecosystems

Date Range:

August 25, 2020. September 8, 2020.

Times:

11:00-12:00 EDT (English) or 14:00-15:00 EDT (Spanish)

Application of Satellite Remote Sensing to Support Water Resources Management in Latin America and the Caribbean

Host

Centro Internacional de Hidroinformática (CIH)

Location

Foz de Iguazú, Brazil

Date Range

Monday, July 11, 2016 to Wednesday, July 20, 2016

19th World Lake Conference (Balaton 2023)

The history of the World Lake Conference (WLC) dates back to the Shiga Conference on Conservation and Management of World Lake Environment of 1984, known as LECS’84, which was held on the shore of Lake Biwa, Japan. The aim of the LECS’ 84, which was to contribute to promoting scientific approaches in the world lake basin management, has been inherited to the World Lake Conferences held in various parts of the world including USA, Hungary, China, Italy, Argentina, Denmark, Kenya, India, Indonesia and Japan.

International Conference on Environmental and Water Resources Engineering

Overview

ICEWRE 2021: International Conference on Environmental and Water Resources Engineering is the premier interdisciplinary forum for the presentation of new advances and research results in the fields of Environmental and Water Resources Engineering. The conference will bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and scholars in the domain of interest from around the world.

This year the conference will be held digitally

Prices

Early Registration Ticket Fees:

IUCN World Conservation Congress

The first hybrid in-person and virtual environmental event since the pandemic began, the Congress will drive action on nature-based recovery, climate change and biodiversity post-2020.

About

The IUCN World Conservation Congress is jointly organised by IUCN and Marseille, hosted by the French Government.

The 10th World Water Forum - Bali 2024

The largest international meeting in the water sector is planned to be held in Bali on 18-24 May 2024 with the theme "Water for Shared Prosperity" to answer global challenges and potentials caused by increasing population growth and urbanization.

The forum will promote and further the agenda to achieve not only Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation, but all SDGs by highlighting factors for conservation, environmental protection, and integrated water management approach.

2022 AWWA Sustainable Water Management Conference

The Sustainable Water Management Conference brings together water sector organizations and professionals to discuss all aspects of resilient and efficient water management. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for managing water resources, source water protection, sustainable utility planning, analyzing the costs and benefits of water conservation, and exploring alternative water sources including stormwater and reuse.

Local Perspectives Case Studies

The disappearance of Lake Ol’ Bolossat: a threat to biodiversity, livelihoods and water security in Central Kenya

Screenshot of Google Earth Engine App develpoed for Lake Ol' Bolossat's Water and Habitat Monitoring

Lake Ol’ Bolossat, the only lake in Central Kenya and the 7th Ramsar site in Kenya, is facing a severe ecological crisis as it steadily disappears due to environmental degradation, unsustainable water use, and climate change. This has led to biodiversity loss, economic decline, and disruption of water supply to the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Disappearing wetlands in North Central Nigeria

Satellite image of the Kogi State Nigeria

Wetlands are some of the most important habitats in the ecosystem, with the most diverse group of organisms. Wetlands are transition points between land and water. Due to pollution and climate change, wetlands in Kogi state are diminishing at a geometric rate. There is an urgent need for restoration of these wetlands to encourage plant and animal diversity and ultimately ensure sustainability.

Satellite-based monitoring of drought and water stress across arid and semi-arid regions of West Africa

There are times when the high demand for water in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, surpasses the supply, or when poor quality makes it difficult to use. Freshwater resources suffer from a decline in quantity due to water stress (dry rivers, over-exploitation of aquifers, etc.). Because of this scarcity, disputes between consumers of water are common. Uncontrolled urban growth makes poor sanitation worse since treated wastewater is thrown into rivers, lakes, and the ocean.

Mangrove forest loss in the Caribbean

Mangrove forest loss is a significant problem in the Caribbean region. Mangroves provide essential ecosystem services, including coastal protection, carbon sequestration, biodiversity support, and nurseries for fish. However, they face numerous threats, leading to their decline. One very significant function of mangrove forests with regard to water is their function as buffers against the effects of inland flooding due to terrestrial precipitation as well as against storm surges emanating from the ocean. The Caroni Swamp in Trinidad and Tobago contains the largest mangrove forest in the twin-island tropical country and it is a major wetland that protects against these effects.

Institut des Regions Arides

The Institut des Regions Arides (IRA) (Arid Regions Institute) was established in 1976 and it is currently under the umbrella of the Ministry of Agriculture, Hydraulic Resources and Fisheries. It is headquarted in El Fje, Médenine with regional stations in Gabes, Ben Guerdane, Kebili and Tataouine in southern Tunisia. The main mandates of IRA are:

Directorate of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing, Kenya

The Directorate of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS) is a key government agency in Kenya, established in 1977 under the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, but now under the Executive Office of the President. DRSRS is renowned for its work in mapping and monitoring natural resources and environmental changes through advanced remote sensing and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technologies.

World Wildlife Fund

As the world’s leading conservation organization, World Wildlife Fund works in nearly 100 countries to tackle the most pressing issues at the intersection of nature, people, and climate. We collaborate with local communities to conserve the natural resources we all depend on and build a future in which people and nature thrive. Together with partners at all levels, we transform markets and policies toward sustainability, tackle the threats driving the climate crisis, and protect and restore wildlife and their habitats.

Kandel

Tejendra Kandel

Ph.D. Researcher (Ph.D. Candidate) at University of Virginia

Tejendra Kandel is a PhD Candidate in Hydrology at the University of Virginia, Department of Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on eco-hydrological dynamics in mountainous watersheds, particularly in Nepal’s mid-hills, where communities face increasing water scarcity due to climate change, land-use shifts, unplanned pine plantations, and deforestation.

Gustine

Rebecca Gustine

PhD Student at Washington State University and Intern at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology

Rebecca is a PhD student in Civil Engineering at Washington State University specializing in water resources engineering. She is also an intern at NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL). Her research includes a wide spectrum of topics related to water resources and climate change. She has expertise in both remote sensing and modeling and incorporates a variety of tools in her research.

Ayanga

Jotham Ayanga

Natural Resource Scientist Directorate of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing, Kenya

Jotham's contributions are instrumental in the mission of the Directorate of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing, Kenya to leverage advanced technologies for environmental monitoring and sustainable resource management, directly supporting Kenya’s efforts to protect its natural resources in the face of climate change and development pressures. My work not only enhances national environmental policies but also contributes to regional conservation initiatives, making a lasting impact on the landscape and community well-being.

Nguracha Balanga

Lilian Nguracha Balanga

Founder of Women .conserve at Samburu women

Am from pastoralist communities living in Kenya. I am a mother, a gender champion, I have more than 10 years of experience working with non-governmental organizations, I have been passionate about championing women and girls' rights since I was a young girl. I grew up in an atypical traditional culture where women are regarded as children, they were not allowed to own properties or make any decision. I learnt to voice out issues, I learnt to speak out on the right of other girls and myself. I have learnt, too, that women's rights are human rights regardless of age, tribe, color.

Lepine

Melody Lepine

Director, Mikisew Cree First Nation

Mrs. Melody Lepine is Cree and Dene, a member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) from Fort Chipewyan, Alberta. From a young age, she was motivated by traditional teachings in environmental stewardship to advance studies in environmental conservation sciences at the University of Alberta and Royal Road University. This balance of teachings in both traditional environmental knowledge and western science has become a key strength in Melody’s career.

Lopez-Maldonado

Yolanda Lopez-Maldonado

Indigenous Scholar

Dr. Lopez-Maldonado is an Indigenous Mayan scholar from Mexico working on understanding complex systems undergoing global change but applying an indigenous perspective. She possesses experience on the social aspects of nature conservation and a robust knowledge in the defense of the ideas, knowledge, values, and forms of self-expression of Indigenous Peoples.

Space-based Solution

Earth observation for ecosystem resilience: the Lake Ol' Bolossat monitoring initiative - in development and need for input

To establish an integrated monitoring and decision-support system that uses Earth Observation data and machine learning to track the status of Lake Ol' Bolossat, enabling evidence-based conservation and sustainable development actions.

Requirements

Data

Below is a table showing the data requirements and sources.

Related Content

Article

Почему космическое садоводство должно спуститься на Землю

Pourquoi Devrions-Nous Utiliser le Jardinage de l'Espace sur Terre

Monitoring runoff using Earth observation data

Почему космическое садоводство должно спуститься на Землю

Pourquoi Devrions-Nous Utiliser le Jardinage de l'Espace sur Terre

Monitoreando la escorrentía mediante datos de observación de la Tierra

Why space gardening should come down to Earth

Pourquoi Devrions-Nous Utiliser le Jardinage de l'Espace sur Terre

Why space gardening should come down to Earth

Почему космическое садоводство должно спуститься на Землю

Why space gardening should come down to Earth

Interview with Dieudonne Ilboudo, Water and Environment Specialist, General Office of Agro-Pastoral Development and Irrigation of Ministry of Agriculture, Animal and Fisheries Resources of Burkina Faso

Interview with Hafsa, Aeman, National Researcher, International Water Management Institute (IWM), CGIAR

Interview with Hafsa, Aeman, National Researcher, International Water Management Institute (IWM), CGIAR

Interview with Dieudonne Ilboudo, Water and Environment Specialist, General Office of Agro-Pastoral Development and Irrigation of Ministry of Agriculture, Animal and Fisheries Resources of Burkina Faso

Capacity Building and Training Material

Introductory Webinar: Remote Sensing of Coastal Ecosystems

Date Range:

Times:

Application of Satellite Remote Sensing to Support Water Resources Management in Latin America and the Caribbean

Host

Location

Date Range

Event

19th World Lake Conference (Balaton 2023)

International Conference on Environmental and Water Resources Engineering

Overview

Prices

IUCN World Conservation Congress

About

The 10th World Water Forum - Bali 2024

2022 AWWA Sustainable Water Management Conference

Local Perspectives Case Studies

The disappearance of Lake Ol’ Bolossat: a threat to biodiversity, livelihoods and water security in Central Kenya

Disappearing wetlands in North Central Nigeria

Satellite-based monitoring of drought and water stress across arid and semi-arid regions of West Africa

Mangrove forest loss in the Caribbean

Stakeholder

Institut des Regions Arides

Directorate of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing, Kenya

World Wildlife Fund

Person

Tejendra Kandel

Rebecca Gustine

Jotham Ayanga

Lilian Nguracha Balanga

Melody Lepine

Yolanda Lopez-Maldonado

Space-based Solution

Earth observation for ecosystem resilience: the Lake Ol' Bolossat monitoring initiative - in development and need for input

Requirements

Data